a North Dakotan girl through and through, wife, mother and die hard Catholic.

A Gentle Guide to the Tender Season After Birth There is a hush that follows childbirth—a soft, sacred quiet. The world seems to pause, and life becomes beautifully small: baby snuggles, warm meals, hushed lullabies in the moonlight. Postpartum is a season of surrender, of healing, of learning to mother a new soul while still […]

What I keep in our diaper bag as a mom of 4 ranging from 5 years old to newborn! This list ebs and flows over time, as the kids hit different stages and different needs like less diapers or more snacks! There’s something tenderly maternal about the humble diaper bag, isn’t there? It’s not just […]

The Beginning – To give this story justice I need to start at the beginning so let’s do back to last year September 2024. If you have read my blog post in July of our Karol Frances, our little one we miscarried last year then that can give you a little background into these next […]

…without screens Traveling with small children can feel like packing up a three-ring circus and hoping it doesn’t unravel halfway through a road trip. And when you choose to do it without screens or tablets, some might look at you like you’ve officially lost it. But mama, it can be done—and it can even be […]

Moving is such a strange mix of hope and heartache, isn’t it? One minute you’re dreaming about fresh starts and all the newness your about to experience, and the next, you’re standing in a kitchen that doesn’t yet smell like your cooking, wondering where the measuring cups went and who on earth you’ll call if […]

In a world buzzing with screens, apps, and digital distractions, it’s never been more important—or more refreshing—to offer our children the gift of slowness, presence, and play rooted in wonder. Childhood should be full of storytelling, open-ended play, hands-on discovery, and the joy of creating without constant stimulation. If you’re looking to create a more […]

As mothers, our days are often full of quick errands, park trips, library visits, or a slow afternoon walk with our little ones in tow. These moments are often so sweet and shareable, and it can be tempting to post them right away—especially when we’re proud of how brave or joyful our children are, or […]

Since about midway through Mason’s medical schooling, he and I started going on consistent date nights every month. At the time, we simply didn’t have the means especially in terms of community support—to find a sitter when we lived in Idaho. However, I’ve since learned that a date night doesn’t always have to be fancy […]

You might be thinking what is the Merck estate? Cue a little drum roll please….thank you! The Merck Estate. A creative space allowing me to share the things I love with all of you while also learning new crafts along the way right there with you. From tips and tricks, inspiration, recipes, products I love, […]

Today, I bring to you The Expectant Mother Birth Plan! What a labor of love it was to curate this template for you, mothers! I am a firm believer that knowledge is power when it comes to your birth space, regardless of where you choose to do so! I desire for mothers to have knowledge […]